"EPA To Propose First-Ever 'Forever Chemical' Discharge Limits"

"The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on Wednesday that it will propose a rule to set the first-ever limits on the amount of chemicals called PFAS can be discharged.

In a new plan released on Wednesday, the agency affirmed that it would propose a rule setting limits for PFAS wastewater discharges from facilities that manufacture the substances, as well as from chromium electroplating facilities.

Certain types of PFAS, an acronym that stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, have been linked to health issues including types of cancer and problems with the immune system.   

They are sometimes called “forever chemicals” because they can accumulate in nature and the human body.

“This plan illustrates one way that EPA is following science to better protect public health and the environment,” Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox said in a statement on the plan. “Importantly and for the first time, EPA is committing to limit PFAS in wastewater discharges,” he added."

Rachel Frazin reports for The Hill September 8, 2021.

Source: The Hill, 09/09/2021